The Shattered Circle

12. If Anything

Hallen, rumpled and unkempt, followed me out of the hall the moment I disentangled myself from the thinly veiled gossiping of the vampire lords and their spawn. He made no polite excuse to those he hated, instead sliding out of his chair to pursue me as I headed for the exit. With Brydris finally in attendance, Naltheme would feel secure enough to stay without me. "Why?"

I turned to face him, my gaze sweeping across the entrance hall for any sign of servants who might serve as spies. Even seeing none, of course, meant only that the prying ears were skilled. "I rather enjoy spite."

"I know you well, Aleyr. You are not the kind of woman who offers generosity on a whim."

I thought of Shira. "I might surprise you."

Hallen combed his fingers through his shaggy hair. "You needed to do me no favors beyond what you have already. You preserved my life. I have not forgotten."

"And you were forced to grovel for it. I believe that settles that account." I studied him closely. "If this is a complaint, General Hallen, I do apologize. I was under the impression that you would enjoy putting an end to such a hated foe."

"It was most satisfactory. Your motivation is my question."

A wry smile crossed my lips. "Perhaps we living have to stick together."

General Hallen stepped closer, into what I considered my personal space. His eyes were grave. "I will remember this display of favor. However, if you want a true alliance, Aleyr, deliver my men back to me."

I sighed. "The King in Black has spoken, Hallen. He assigned your men to Teth."

"And you of all people are most capable of changing his mind," Hallen said firmly. "I know I am weak now, but with their return, I would be a most valuable asset to a woman such as yourself. You must know that Teth and Naltheme both wish to replace you."

He seemed sincere enough in his words. That Teth would want to take my place was hardly a surprise, but Naltheme's ambition was a novel threat. Part of me bitterly wished that they would replace me, even for a day, though I knew it would likely spell my end. "Both of them desire power in their own ways. I hardly consider that knowledge a surprise."

"Precisely. I could be your bulwark against such ambitions." There was a gleam of desperation in his eyes. Hallen wanted his people back before Teth destroyed or turned them. I could certainly understand the attachment. An edict was no small thing to circumvent, however. "Please, Aleyr, I will do anything. Even kiss the ground at your feet again. They need me."

They need me. I pinched the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger, cursing my own heart. "I will take it into consideration."

"Please." Hallen's voice softened. "Please, Aleyr. If anything left in you is human..."

I met him with my customary bluntness. "I will consider. I promise nothing. That is more than I would do for most who beseech me in such a way."

Hallen bowed his head to me, even with defeat lingering in his expression. "Thank you for your consideration, Lady Frostborn."

We parted without another word, but Hallen's plea echoed through my mind the entire way back to my home. If anything left in you is human...

I felt my humanity so clearly in that moment, the ache of sympathy in my chest. I had not met many of Hallen's soldiers, but I knew Teth would torment them to strike at their former leader. Perhaps she had already turned them all into spawn. There was no way to know without visiting their barracks, which would draw attention I didn't want. Vex would be too noticeable.